How to Tell If Your iPhone or iPad Has Been Hacked

With the growing prevalence of cyber threats, it’s essential to be vigilant about your device’s security. If you’re concerned that your iPhone or iPad may have been compromised, here are some common signs to look out for and steps you can take to protect your device.

1. Rising Battery Temperature (Without Usage)

If your iPhone’s battery feels unusually warm even when it’s idle, it could be a sign of a security breach.

• Spyware or malicious apps running in the background can consume processing power, causing the device to overheat.
• This is especially concerning if you haven’t been using resource-heavy apps or charging the device.

Tip: Check for unfamiliar or suspicious apps in your settings.

2. Rapid Battery Drain

If your phone’s battery drains faster than usual during regular use, it might indicate the presence of spyware.

• Spy apps often operate in the background, consuming power even when the device is idle.
• You may also notice that your phone doesn’t stay charged as long as it used to.

Tip: Go to Settings → Battery and review the battery usage details. If you spot unknown or suspicious apps consuming significant power, your device may be compromised.

3. Strange Background Noises During Calls

If you frequently hear echoes, clicks, or background static during voice calls—even though this never happened before—it could be a sign of hacking.

• This may indicate that someone is secretly listening in on your calls.
• Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to eavesdrop or record conversations.

Tip: If you hear unusual noises during calls, hang up and restart your device. You can also run a malware scan using trusted security apps.

4. Apps Stopping or Crashing Unexpectedly

If apps that previously worked perfectly start crashing frequently or malfunctioning, it could signal a breach.

• Malicious software or hidden spyware may interfere with app functionality.
• Inconsistent performance, app crashes, or freezing could be signs of tampering.

Tip: Regularly update your apps and remove any suspicious or unknown ones.

5. Unfamiliar Apps or Settings Changes

If you notice new apps that you didn’t download or find that certain settings (e.g., call forwarding or location sharing) have been altered, this may indicate unauthorised access.

• Hackers sometimes install hidden apps or modify settings remotely to monitor your activity.

Tip: Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management to check for unknown profiles or configurations.

How to Protect Your iPhone or iPad From Hacking

Apple regularly releases security updates to patch vulnerabilities. If you’re using iOS 12 or an earlier version, follow these steps to update your device:

1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
2. Your device will check for available updates.
3. If iOS 12.1.3 (or later) is available, tap Download and Install.
4. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi before downloading.

Why It Matters: On 22 January, Apple released a security update for macOS, iPhones, and iPads to address key vulnerabilities. Installing the latest software ensures you have the most secure version of iOS.

Tips to Safeguard Your iPhone or iPad

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging into your Apple ID.
• Use a Strong Passcode: Replace simple 4-digit codes with a 6-digit or custom alphanumeric passcode for better protection.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Hackers can exploit unsecure networks to gain access to your device. Use a VPN for safer browsing.
• Check for Jailbreaking: If you didn’t jailbreak your iPhone but notice it behaving strangely, it may have been jailbroken without your knowledge, making it vulnerable to attacks.